Everything you need to know about the now “old” Green New Deal, and how it affects your future
If you’ve heard a lot about the Green New Deal but still aren’t quite sure what it is, you’re not alone. Even though we have been hearing about it more and more in recent times, the Green New Deal has been around for over a decade.
But what is it?
We currently have two Green New Deals. There is an American Green New Deal and an EU Green New Deal. There are many similarities between the two, such as, reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, a general alignment across the main goals, and improving economic and environmental well-being.
However, there are also notable differences. The EU’s deal includes a funding plan, specific pathways to achieve stated outcomes, legislative support and public consultation. While the US lags behind the EU in terms of implementation and commitment of resources.
Here are two great videos breaking down the US and EU Green New Deals in more detail:
Even though some governments have committed to creating change, more needs to be done.
On top of that, the way our economy is shaped is bad for our environment. We are consuming more, producing more and our Earth can only take so much.
So, what sectors does the EU Deal look at?
- Climate
- Energy
- Agriculture
- Industry
- Enviromint and Oceans
- Transport
- Finance and regional development
- Research and innovation
The EU Deal looks to improve the well-being and health of citizens and future generations by providing:
- Fresh air, clean water, healthy soil and biodiversity
- Renovated, energy efficient buildings
- Healthy and affordable food
- More public transport options
- Cleaner energy and cutting-edge clean technological innovation
- Longer lasting products that can be repaired, recycled and re-used
- Future-proof jobs and skills training for the transition
- A globally competitive and resilient industry
How will it do this?
- Reduce emissions — The European Commission proposes more ambitious targets for reducing the CO2 emissions of new cars and vans.
- Create jobs and growth — The green transition presents a major opportunity for European industry by creating markets for clean technologies and products. These new proposals will have an impact across entire value chains in sectors such as energy and transport, and construction and renovation, helping create sustainable, local and well-paid jobs across Europe.
- Address energy poverty — The new Social Climate Fund will support EU citizens most affected or at risk of energy or mobility poverty. It will help mitigate the costs for those most exposed to changes, to ensure that the transition is fair and leaves no one behind.
- Reduce external energy dependency — Reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 requires higher shares of renewable energy and greater energy efficiency.
- Improve our health and wellbeing — The Commission proposes therefore to restore Europe’s forests, soils, wetlands and peatlands. This will increase absorption of CO2 and will make our environment more resilient to climate change.
This is just a first step
For now, the Green New Deal is just asking world leaders to acknowledge the extent of the problem.
Some of the thinking around the Green New Deal has been around for years, so we know some of the solutions. What we need is the political will to implement them.
“Change is the end result of all true learning.” — Leo Buscaglia
When we understand our connection to our environment, we are inspired to act. At Ocean Generation, we feel that is important to break down the big policy changes impacting our environment. One of the best things we can do is keep informed — the more we know the better. It leaves us better equipped to have those conversations with friends and family and the people you want to influence.
So, what do you think?
Is the US and EU Green New Deal the closest piece of policy we have to overhauling our current system and reducing the impact of the climate crisis? Is it doing enough and fast enough? In the grand scheme of things, these policies should have been implemented years ago. We knew the science back then but governments didn’t want to act. This can’t happen again. We need to galvanise people who will in turn galvanise their politicians and governments to act. It is not a question of IF but when and how soon!
